New $6m lab launched in Australia

A new state-of the-art laboratory has been launched in Australia that scientists hope will further innovation in the IT industry.

The facility is located in Hawthorn East in Victoria, Australia, and was established by Southern Cross Computer Systems, a company responsible for designing and supporting end-to-end IT infrastructure.

Organisations set to benefit from the AUS $6 million (£3.7 million) laboratory include tech start-ups, as Victoria bids to compete with New South Wales in the IT innovation and infrastructure stakes.

Commenting on the launch of the facility, Victorian technology minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said it highlights new ways to utilise rapid advancements being made in both information and communications technology.

"This laboratory will help businesses find new ways to adopt emerging technology, store their information and access software remotely," he explained.

"It will enable customers to test the impact of new functions, systems and tools to improve productivity… and make information available to their increasingly mobile workforce."

Mark Kalmus, managing director of Southern Cross Computer Systems, added that the centre will help customers to "keep pace" with the demands of an ever-changing business landscape.

He added: "We will continue enhancing our skills in the industry's advanced information technologies and help our customers to fully exploit the benefits."

Construction of the facility was made possible by the Victorian government's $11 million Digital Futures Fund, which is designed to promote the development of innovation in IT.

This fund is part of a wider $85 million plan to support Victoria's IT sector, which is continuing to move from strength to strength, according to Mr Rich-Philips.

He added: "The Victorian coalition government is committed to actively supporting the development and growth of innovative and competitive ICT companies such as Southern Cross Computer Systems."

It is hoped that the competitiveness between laboratories in Victoria and New South Wales will help to boost the nation's overall IT innovation in the years ahead.